Teacher Absence Study Finds Significant Disparities Based on Type of School

A recent study comparing teacher absence nationally should generate discussion in statehouses, school districts and bargaining tables across the country. It is a worthwhile read for any employer in any industry interested in factors that may affect employee absenteeism.

The study compared teacher absence rates between traditional district-run schools and charter schools and between non-union and unionized charter schools. The study uses the term “chronically absent,” which it defines as a teacher who misses more than ten days a year for sick or personal leave. Absences for school holidays, summer vacation and professional development are not counted.

Some of the studies’ conclusions are:

More than one-quarter of public school teachers in the United States (28.3%) are chronically absent.

Traditional public school teachers are almost three times as likely to be chronically absent as teachers in charter schools (28.3% vs. 10.3%).

The difference in “chronically absent” rates is largest where school districts must bargain collectively but charter schools are not required to.

Teachers in unionized charter schools are twice as likely to be chronically absent as teachers in non-unionized charter schools (17.9% v. 9.1%).

The study notes that it is “descriptive,” that it “can highlight revealing patterns in rates of teacher chronic absenteeism, but it cannot establish a causal relationship between any specific policy or factor and absenteeism.”

Yet, the study’s content leads the reader to cry out: help me understand the reasons for these disparities so our political leaders could address them. I suspect there are many diverse views about the reasons for the disparities. Creating a consensus about the need for change or the nature of the change needed would be a significant challenge.

The study was done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, which is not connected with Fordham University.